Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The act of pulling. A procedure that consists of using a pulling force to straighten a broken or deformed limb. In orthopedics, to place a bone or limb under tension to immobilize the part, align parts in a particular way, or relieve pressure. The process of putting a limb, bone, or group of muscles under…

A bundle of axons located within the central nervous system. A series of organs or tubes which allow something to pass from one part of the body to another. A series or bundle of nerve fibres connecting two areas of the nervous system and transmitting nervous impulses in one or in both directions. Group of…

An opening made surgically in the trachea to create an airway in cases of respiratory obstruction. A surgical operation to make a hole through the throat into the windpipe, so as to allow air to get to the lungs in cases where the trachea is blocked, as in pneumonia, poliomyelitis or diphtheria. A surgical operation…

A tube used to keep a tracheotomy open. A cylindrical structure that is introduced into a surgical opening made in the windpipe (tracheostomy) with the purpose of alleviating blockage in the upper respiratory passage.  

The hypothesis that newly acquired memory traces undergo a gradual change that makes them more and more resistant to any disturbance.  

A parasite that causes brain inflammation, called toxoplasmosis, in AIDS patients.  

An attenuated microorganism that has lost its toxic qualities while retaining its ability to stimulate the production of antitoxins. Used to establish a temporary immunity. A toxin which has been treated and is no longer poisonous, but which can still provoke the formation of antibodies. Toxoids are used as vaccines, and are injected into a…

Industrial chemicals and by-products that are poisonous, corrosive, reactive, radioactive, or ignitable. When dumped in landfills, they may seep into and pollute groundwater.  

A result of the use of high doses of stimulant drugs, characterized by tremors, irritation, hostility, and panic.  

A rare group of symptoms in women characterized by vomiting, fever, diarrhea, a skin rash, and a rapid decrease in blood pressure and shock. A bacterium is suspected as the cause and whose growth may be enhanced by the use of tampons. A serious condition caused by a staphylococcus infection of the skin or soft…